Is my ficus ready for a training pot?

Staigl

I'm new here and to bonsai. Ten days ago, I took delivery of my pre-bonsai, 3-year old (28") Bo Tree. Hoping to encourage vigorous growth, I've planted it in my garden for the summer. Just this morning, I discovered the practice of using pond baskets. Perhaps, this would have been preferable to planting in ground?

Nevertheless, when temperatures decline towards the end of summer, I will bring it back inside. I am considering potting it in a training pot. My questions:
Are training pots typically used at a certain point of a tree's maturity?
How will I know whether my tree is ready for such a pot?
Also, what determines the training pot size needed?
Lastly, I assume pond baskets are best used outdoors – are there disadvantages to using them indoors, as well?

Thanks

Attached Images

Full Ficus -small.JPG (62.3 KB, 56 views)

Advertisement